‘They need it’ – Key Sunderland figure outlines ‘vital’ thing supporters can do to help emerging talent
Sunderland U21s will host Borussia Monchengladbach on Wednesday evening.
Sunderland U21s coach Graeme Murty has urged fans to turn out in support of his side this season, stating that playing in front of large crowds is “vital” for the development of the Black Cats’ emerging talent.
Last week saw the U21s begin their Premier League International Cup campaign against Athletic Bilbao at the Stadium of Light – a tight affair that ended in a 2-2 draw. Murty’s men will take their next steps in the competition on Wednesday evening when they host German outfit Borussia Monchengladbach at the Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground, and the academy chief has urged supporters to come along in an effort to acclimatise his side to playing in front of busier terraces in preparation for future runs in the first team.
Speaking to Sunderland’s in-house media, Murty said: “They [the U21s] need it. They need it. It’s a vital part of their development. It’s one of the things we can’t replicate – we can’t replicate it in training. Some of the times when you go out on loan, the crowd is not as great.
